Announcement National Indigenous Championships

Northern Territory return to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships

Announcement National Indigenous Championships
Announcement National Indigenous Championships

Northern Territory Cricket is pleased to announce the NT Indigenous Men’s Team set to compete at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Yuwibara Country (Mackay, Queensland) across April 2-7.

The NT Men return to the NICC after not participating in 2024, marking an important step forward for Indigenous cricket and pathways within the Territory.

The 14-Man Squad will be led by Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon/Tennant Creek), rewarded for his performances at the recently held 32nd Imparja Cup and emerging leadership on Northern Territory Cricket’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.

For the first time, the NICC will be held in Mackay and in April, providing an opportunity for Northern Territory Cricket to use Australia’s largest Indigenous Cricket Festival, the Imparja Cup held in Alice Springs in February, as a selection vehicle and pathway.  

Daniel Fett (Jawoyyn/Palmerston) and Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi/Alice Springs) are two players to have capitalised on that opportunity. The experienced Fett picked up the Rossy Williams and Shane Franey ‘Most Valuable Player’ for standout performances throughout the tournament, while 15-year old Johnny impressed everyone at the Imparja Cup with his raw talent, pace and athleticism.

The side will be coached by Trent Keep, who was recently appointed as the NT’s Pathway and Talent Development Coach, while Ben Abbatangelo (Assistant) and Ray White (Mentor) will travel as support staff.

NT Head of Cricket Nick Winter said he was thrilled for the players:

“After the disappointment of last year it was really important to get the Northern Territory back into the NICC as soon as possible.

Given the Territory’s strong connection to Indigenous culture and communities this was an important step, and I know how much it means to our players.

The recent Imparja Cup showed there are some very talented Indigenous cricketers here in the Territory.

Our challenge now is to continue providing more opportunities for Indigenous players in the Territory to play and develop.”

Now in its eighth year, the Championships form part of Australian cricket’s elite development pathway, with the aim of having more Indigenous cricketers represent Australia at the highest level.

Image: 2025 NT Indigenous Men’s player Daniel Fett (Jawoyyn/Palmerston)

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